This provides the head of council the authority to take actions or make orders, which are not contrary to law, in order to protect the inhabitants in the area of emergency.

Mayor Burton made the declaration on March 20 saying declaring this local State of Emergency is not a decision he took lightly. He said he felt it was a necessary proactive measure to be able to access essential resources from other levels of government.

Highlands East will continue to provide updates to the public during the COVID-19 crisis.

Mayor Burton wants to remind everyone “these are trying and unsettling times but if we come together, support one another, this too shall pass”.